THE MESASTILA CHALLENGE 2012 RAILS TO TRAILS HALF-MARATHON

Mesastila Challenge 2012 route map and recalculate the route with a Garmin system
MesaStila Challenge Facebook
MesaStila Challenge Registration Form

Magelang, Central Java – MesaStila has confirmed the second annual occasion of its unique running-race on October 6^th 2012. Starting at the heritage railway station in Ambarawa, the running course follows the antique steam-train, which departs 20-minutes before the runners. Athletes will run along the railway tracks - attempting to catch the train, which runs at a leisurely pace!

Event Details

·      Half marathon distance – 21.1km

·      The first 9km along a heritage railway-line: Ambarawa to Bedono - try to catch the train!

·      Tough gradient of approximately 6%

·      Jungle trails following the old disused railway line

·      Snaking past rice paddies with some amazing views

·      Up-and-down sections, up to 18% incline, on partly paved village roads

·      Finishing on a rice paddy track and along some tough jungle trails

·      Overall a demanding, but fun and very interesting run

·      Amazing food spread Brunch-BBQ at the finish line

·      Post-race massages for athletes and a fresh-water swimming pool

·      Music, awards ceremony and prizes

Event Timing – October 6^th 2012:

07:00 - Welcome and opening ceremony

07:10 – Train starts journey to half-way point with VIP’s, sponsors and media

07:30 – Runners start race - as soon as train leaves from its engine-changing point at Jambu

Prizes & Awards:

Prizes and awards are offered for the top three challengers in male and female categories.

Lucky draw prizes will be available to all athletes

Fees & Entry Procedure:

Entry fees will depend on whether from Indonesia or overseas.

Entry through e-mail or application in person, or by fax @ 0298 596 100 or 592 696

	Indonesian	Foreign or local Expat
Individual Runner	IDR 150,000	US$ 35*

*KITAS holder or local expat will classed as foreign

Accommodation:

A number of rooms will be available at MesaStila for athletes and their families. Special rates are available for athletes. There will also be a variety of recommended partner-hotels in the nearby towns of Magelang and Semarang.

MesaStila Country Winner- Best Luxury Destination Spa by World Luxury Hotel Awards (May 2012)

MesaStila, a high-end luxury resort, previously known as Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation has recently been established as a wellness retreat. The property was created as a labour-of-love by its many proprietors over the years – from coffee-plantation to resort and now a retreat. It incorporates a collection of antiques and fantastic buildings: a colonial-era railway station, the former residence of a Javanese Prince, traditional Javanese wood-villas and the plantation owner’s house from the early 1900’s.

In a world where pollution, noise, crowds, unhealthy diets and stress are the norm, MesaStila offers an escape and a true sanctuary. The property is situated in a space of complete tranquillity – surrounded by amazing natural beauty, cooling mountain-air, lush vegetation and amazing views of eight surrounding volcanoes. As a wellness retreat MesaStila creates a distinctly Javanese fusion: with an immersion to the healthy-healing gardens; Javanese wellness therapies; traditional Pencak Silat martial-arts; Java-coffee scrubs; Jungle-Gym & TRX; healthy Javanese food and the services of skilled local healers.

The wellness programs are influenced by the custom of Javanese medicine, through traditional healers called Tabib, who manage a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual complaints. A local Jamu Master formulates special healing tonics for particular guest needs; while the Ibu-Jamu’s (Jamu ladies) offer many varieties of freshly-made therapeutic Jamu during breakfast.

The property includes a functioning coffee plantation and charming non-commercial coffee production process; though the true magnificence of MesaStila is in its amazing Hammam Spa - offering treatments from Tunia, to a relaxing Plantation Massage and a Cooling Jade Facial. The most exquisite Hammam scrubs and warming massages have been created to meld in with the two enormous Hammams.

Here is the direct link for further detail:

http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com/winners/2012-spa-awards

The Hammam at MESASTILA:

Country Winner in the category of: Best Luxury Destination Spa

Retreat Programs:

Whether on a long stay fourteen-night retreat, or a short two-night escape, guests appreciate the MesaStila retreat experience with packages that offer all inclusive stays and which encompass the following: •Private Villa accommodation •Transfers •A guided introduction and personalized diary of activities •Three healthy meals per day, plus two wellness snacks •A daily massage •A daily choice of classes that offer fitness, cultural and educational experiences.

Specific retreats offer programs that are particular to the type of activities that guests wish to focus on; this includes options for stays with durations of: 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 nights, with the following essential offerings: Fitness & Weight Management / De-stress & Indulgence / Cleansing - here the name of the retreat is a clear indication of the projected outcome and retreat inclusions.

MesaStila also offers an Executive Recharge retreat targeted at high-level corporate executives. While, the two-night packages – Dynamism and Escapism will be of interest to guests wanting a short break at MesaStila with an active or relaxing approach to wellbeing. The Taste of Losari package is a one night program that allows guests to enjoy the property as part of a journey through Java, or those from nearby countries who want to enjoy a short wellbeing break.

As MesaStila develops its wellness offerings, many specialized retreats are on offer:

Endurance Training Camp with Master Coach Bryan Hoare - 2^nd to 5^th March 2012: The perfect endurance training escape! Ride the hills around four volcanoes, and run in a stunning natural jungle environment. A three night program to help athletes ramp up their cycling and running fitness; phased to compliment training for the Singapore 70.3 Half Ironman competition.

The Power of Sleep Retreat with Dr. Chris Herrera PhD – 16^th to 20^th April 2012:  A four night retreat where guests will discover a missing piece of the wellness puzzle, learning to live well and sleep better.  Sleep expert and clinical sleep-researcher, Dr. Herrera, leads this exclusive health-focused sleep retreat and offers guests the opportunity for a personalized sleep-wellness review. 

Heart Mastery Retreat with Master Rick Pursell – 4^th to 7^th May 2012: A three night program to create personal growth and move positively through life experiences; evolving from separateness, superiority and fear - into caring, sharing and a place of growth; examining and realizing humility, appreciation, understanding, compassion, forgiveness and valour.

Unique Selling Points:

·      A magical environment - surrounded by jungle, with views to a number of nearby volcanoes

·      The only wellness retreat in Java

·      Seven retreat options for a variety of guests to enjoy – from Fitness, to Spa to Cleansing

·      Heritage buildings from Royal Java, colonial Indonesia with an exceptional array of antique furniture, paintings, and traditional artifacts

·      Located within twenty-two hectares of coffee plantation and gardens

·      The only resort in SE Asia that incorporates two authentic Turkish Hammams

·      Genuine Hammam treatments using special soaps, mitts and scrubs from the Middle East.

·      A distinctly Javanese experience

·      Organic, healthy, authentic and tasty Javanese-fusion cuisine

·      Coffee scrubs with coffee ground from our own coffee plantation 

Why - Wellness Retreat?

Current [un]health statistics from the World Health Organization suggest that by the year

2020, even in the developing world, seven-in-ten people suffering from poor health will be 

because of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and 

smoking related disorders. So many illnesses can be prevented by taking time, to create a 

more healthy outlook; applying some of the concepts offered at MesaStila: healthy eating; 

focused exercise; planned relaxation; stress management; limitations on smoking; and 

moderate alcohol consumption - all in a relaxing and stunning natural environment.

Modern travelers are becoming more discerning and looking for experiences beyond simply 

room and breakfast. From eco-friendly experiences to cultural explorations; passionate 

travelers are inspired by aspects of their life journey - and MesaStila offers an opportunity for 

personal growth and realizations about wellbeing with cultural and historical experiences as 

a major component.

The London based think-tank The Future Laboratory has proposed that “Values, along with 

value-for-money, are becoming increasingly important for a new generation of conscience-

driven travelers. The places that we spend our money in should be a frame for life. They 

must make simple acts, such as dining, more meaningful.” The Future Laboratory suggest 

that: “In today’s saturated material world, health is one of the most precious assets we have. 

Most people face a lot of stress in their everyday life and want to compensate for this by 

pursuing health and wellbeing in their free time.”

MesaStila’s Retreat Manager, Bryan Hoare, an authority in the retreat industry and a holder 

of two Masters degrees in human development, notes: “The time that guests spend at 

MesaStila will help people refine their life experiences and set the stage for a greater level of 

awareness; a realization that personal wellbeing does not have to be arduously brought 

about by extreme dieting or hours-upon-hours of exercise each week. It is simply that people 

need to learn some of the techniques of creating a more healthful lifestyle: such as taking 

time to breathe calmly, undertaking simple daily tasks [such as brushing one’s teeth] with a 

focus on the moment and purpose in the outcome; establishing movement and physical 

activity as a part of the normal day; or making more healthy food choices on a long-haul 

flight, at the supermarket or over a business lunch.”

Bryan observes that: “Taking care of your wellbeing now, means fewer health problems in 

the future, less time lost to illness, a more vibrant life, greater energy and an all round better 

you. Sustainable wellness is an attitude as much as it is learned on a wellness retreat; 

moreover, immersing yourself into a space of wellness is the first step”.

Uniquely Java...

Java has an enormous but not widely known tradition of traditional medicine, through time-

honored healers called dukun or tabib, who deal with a variety of illnesses of physical, 

emotional, and spiritual origin through combinations of herbal means. At MesaStila a local 

Jamu Master offers healing tonics for particular guest needs. A daily dose of Jamu, is offered 

at breakfast of which five varieties are produced and offered daily by our Jamu ladies!

Though a wellness retreat, the property still contains a functioning coffee plantation. Coffee 

does have some beneficial effects, which have been discussed by many experts – it 

stimulates the central nervous system, helps relieve headaches and combat fatigue and poor 

concentration. It is also shown to activate hormones that support cardiac, respiratory and 

metabolic activity; coffee increases production of gastric acid and bile and stimulates 

intestinal action, making the drink a digestive aid. Research on the health consequences of 

caffeine consumption offers conflicting results, largely because the response to this powerful 

stimulant varies considerably. To quote Renaissance physician Paracelsus, "Nothing in 

itself is poison or cure, everything depends on the dosage. Make your own choice!

Healthy Cuisine at MesaStila - Magelang

MesaStila, Central Java – July 1^st, 2012: Healthy menus rarely have the range of tastes, innovative flair, cuisine styles and depth of wellness offerings as is found in the new menu creation by Executive Chef Arya Kusumaatmaja and his team at MesaStila.

The internationally trained, Javanese culinary-team has created an expanse of recipes, with enormous passion. Using traditional flavors, combined with a wide range of locally grown, organic and sustainably derived produce, the cuisine is given a “healthy twist”. In addition, a sense of the “real Java” was inspired when the whole kitchen team was encouraged to find recipes that were famous in their villages or towns, to stimulate a strong local-Javanese connection; these recipes were adapted to retain their character and flavors, yet with a dedication to healthy eating.

Executive Chef Arya is originally from Java and has practiced and learnt with many of Asia’s best chefs. Starting in Indonesia, Chef Arya has worked across the many islands of this amazingly diverse country. He worked for 15-years with a major international resort chain that further inspired his culinary expertise in China, Japan and Thailand. The menu he and his team have created is a melding of classic, Indonesian and modern cooking; with a focus on subtle but exciting flavors, melded with his up-to-date training in healthy eating.  

Chef Arya believes that there is a great opportunity in educating all his guests, especially people from Indonesia that, “healthy eating does not mean tasteless or expensive food”. Chef Arya has been very particular to ensure that the healthy-eating ideals are present in every part of the cooking process; including the choice of ingredients, preparation techniques, cooking methods, presentation and recipe balance - so that quality and taste remain paramount!

Dishes incorporate wholesome-healthy cooking techniques, such as steamed scrambled-egg, baked snapper, and Indonesian prawn crackers (kurupuk udang) cooked in heated volcanic sand - instead of the often carcinogenic boiling oil!

While Low-fat is a motivation in the menu - there is absolutely every sense of flavor in the Low-Fat Beef Rendang while the Lemon Chicken Nusantara offers explosions of zesty lemon, lime and ginger in its stew-like arrangement.  

Fish, chicken, beans, pulses and vegetables are predominant ingredients, offering Low Glycemic Index (GI) options that would please anyone that needs to consider their carbohydrate intake; as most people do! When rice is used it is usually the lower GI red rice; while indigenous foods such as sweet potato (yes lower GI than regular potatoes!), taro and cassava keep the blood sugar under control, even in some of the desserts!

An amazing array of ten soups are proposed on the menu – from a tasty Italian-style Tomato Soup with flavors of Java; to Wild Mushroom Soup incorporating mushrooms from the resort’s own mushroom-house; or Taro & Fish Soup with an enticing blend of grated ginger. A selection of a dozen salads – like the Crunchy Start-Fruit Salad with chicken, watercress and a sweet ‘n’ sour dressing; Guava, Banana & Tomato Cooler in a curry flavored vinaigrette; or Roasted Oyster Mushroom with lemon-confit stuffed dates and yoghurt dressing. All providing an enormous array of Antioxidant, Detox-friendly and Vegetarian delights!

As MesaStila has become a training ground for endurance athletes and regular clients that want a higher protein recovery fix – many of the food items are marked Protein Recovery – as with the Tartar of Maguro Tuna, which is served with a quail egg and a delicious spiced avocado base; or the Soto Ayam with its chicken, tofu bean-cake and hardboiled egg. 

The cuisine team at MesaStila offer various cooking classes, where guests can appreciate the added advantage of being able to take away some of this cuisine expertise that has been developed under the guidance and support of the Retreat Manager, Bryan Hoare - a masters degree qualified physiologist and nutritionist; and the Corporate Executive Chef for Mesa Hotels & Resorts, Darren Lauder - an award-wining chef and inspiring guide.

Guests that visit MesaStila on a Cleansing Retreat, Fitness & Weight Management program, or one of its many healing, healthful escapes will find the food wholesome, unique and delicious MesaStila experience. The entire menu is scattered with indications as to which foods are: Antioxidant, Low Fat, Detox Friendly, Low Gylcemic-Index, Vegetarian or for Protein Recovery.

Editor’s Note – Food classification information:

Protein builds cells; carbohydrate gives energy; fat is important for healthy skin, hair and body functioning; everything can be taken too much or too little -– the aim is to “balance” food intake. These food classification themes will help guests to choose healthy menu items that will be suitable for their individual needs. People with special food requirements – such as gluten-free, or have allergies should be met by the Executive Chef or Retreat Manager.

Low Fat: Low fat diets contain 45-80g of fat per day depending on total calorie intake. Any food items that have low fat foods used and low fat preparation and cooking techniques will be in the low-fat section. It is important in this area to understand the meaning of different types of fat, their uses and abuses. Fat that is eaten in food is present in the original form (such as in chicken skin); fat is also added during processing, preparation and style of cooking (such as with deep frying). Low fat foods will contain a reasonable amount of good fats (polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats) and little or no saturated fats (e.g. from animals).

Low Glycemic Index: Carbohydrate is used for energy, we all need it... But the form in which the body receives carbohydrate is important! The Glycemic Index (GI) is a measure of the speed in which carbohydrate [glucose (sugar)] passes from the food, through the digestive system, into the bloodstream. Foods that have a low GI (below 50 or at least below 70) will pass slowly into the bloodstream, meaning that the body will have a gradual and sustained provision of energy. Foods that have high GI (above 70) will pass quickly into the bloodstream and can cause a “sugar rush (high)”; this will cause a release of insulin, which will take the sugar to be stored in the liver, taken to the kidneys to be excreted as urine and most worryingly to be stored in the body as FAT!

Vegetarian: Vegetarians generally do not eat animals or animal products; however, there are many different types of vegetarians, including those who will eat fish, dairy and eggs. In this menu we have included those that will eat only dairy items and eggs, but not fish. Some VERY strict vegetarians will also have very specific needs, but we do not cater for them in this menu.

Detox friendly: The body takes from the outside world: air, water, food and emotions – each of these if contaminated or polluted can make your body toxic. Detoxification means to remove unwanted (and toxic) products from the body. In the case of the food menu, this is referring to food and drink. What you put into the food and into the body will affect the pollution (toxicity) status of the body. Food can be clean and detoxifying through its whole process from growing to processing to cooking and to the way it is eaten – the aim is SLOW food and food that will least contaminate the body. Detox friendly food is that which is chosen to be the most beneficial for ensuring zero contamination and also support some type of cleansing for the body.  

Antioxidant: Oxidation is what happens during metabolism, so when humans live they will always produce oxidation - and this causes free-radical damage (cell damage). In order to reduce the damage of the oxidation process or to reverse the damaging effects of “life” then antioxidants may be used to help reduce the negative effects of free radicals. Antioxidants come in several forms, including the vitamins A, C, and E; plant-derived polyphenols (in colourful fruits and vegetables); and also the element selenium, found in nuts and broccoli. These compounds are all excellent in their ability to neutralize harmful molecules in our cells.

Protein Recovery: Protein is needed for building cells – including muscle cells. When people have been exercising a lot, or are sick they need protein to help them recover. The foods with this symbol are classified to enable people to look after their bodies – especially for very active fitness-nuts!

Editor’s Note – Retreat information:

MesaStila, a high-end luxury resort, previously known as Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation is now established as a wellness retreat. The property was created as a labour-of-love by its many proprietors over the years – from coffee-plantation to resort and now as a retreat. It incorporates a collection of antiques and fantastic buildings: a colonial-era railway station, the former residence of a Javanese Prince, traditional Javanese wood-villas and the plantation owner’s house from the early 1900’s.

In a world where pollution, noise, crowds, unhealthy diets and stress are the norm, MesaStila offers an escape and a true sanctuary. The property is situated in a space of complete tranquillity – surrounded by amazing natural beauty, cooling mountain-air, lush vegetation and amazing views of eight surrounding volcanoes. As a wellness retreat MesaStila creates a distinctly Javanese fusion: with an immersion to the healthy-healing gardens; Javanese wellness therapies; traditional Pencak Silat martial-arts; Java-coffee scrubs; Jungle-Gym & TRX; healthy Javanese food and the services of skilled local healers.

The wellness programs are influenced by the custom of Javanese medicine, through traditional healers called Tabib, who manage a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual complaints. A local Jamu Master formulates special healing tonics for particular guest needs; while the Ibu-Jamu’s (Jamu ladies) offer many varieties of freshly-made therapeutic Jamu during breakfast.

The property includes a functioning coffee plantation and charming non-commercial coffee production process; though the true magnificence of MesaStila is in its amazing Hammam Spa - offering treatments from Tunia, to a relaxing Plantation Massage and a Cooling Jade Facial. The most exquisite Hammam scrubs and warming massages have been created to meld in with the two enormous Hammams.

For Details Contact:

Sugeng Sugiantoro – Director of Sales & Marketing

MesaStila

PO Box 108, Magelang, 56100

Central Java – Indonesia

Telephone number: +62 (0) 298 596 333 Fax: +62 (0) 298 592 696 or 596 100
Email: sugeng@losaricoffeeplantaion.com

Website: http://www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/mesastila/